Developer- and Publisher-specific Articles: Final Fantasy XIII-2

Square Enix has released the PC version of Final Fantasy XIII-2. Available for $19.99 on Steam and the Square Enix Online Store, the PC version features support for 60 frames-per-second, Japanese voiceovers with English subtitles, and several resolutions (also added today in Final Fantasy XIII). The downloadable content from the console versions, including new enemies, missions, and outfits, detailed below, are also included. Some content from the console versions are missing, though, such as the Lost Report side story episode and any collaborative pieces with other series (e.g., Assassin’s Creed and Mass Effect).

The final DLC packs for Final Fantasy XIII-2 will be dropping tomorrow on Live and PSN. The breakdown consists of two episode packs and three wardrobe packs. The episodes center around Snow and Lightning with Snow’s Story: Perpetual Battlefield and Lightning’s Story: Requiem of the Goddess. Snow’s story will pit players against him in a Coliseum battle, with him joining the victor, and Lightning’s portion will see her battling Caius with all-new powers. The wardrobe releases consist of a White Mage outfit, Black Mage outfit, and a 16-piece collection for Mog.

Role-playing game giants will meet next week when Commander Shepard’s N7 armor makes its way into Final Fantasy XIII-2 as DLC. Serah Farron and Noel Kreiss will both be able to don the N7 gear. In addition to the new panoply, some new opponents, including Ultros, will be stepping into the arena in new Coliseum Battle DLC.

The second Coliseum DLC for Final Fantasy XIII-2 has been announced, and this time players will be able to square off against PSICOM Officer Jihl Nabaat. The 240 MS Point/$2.99 download is scheduled to launch on March 13. A new Episode DLC was also announced, Lightning’s Story: Requiem of the Goddess. Requiem of the Goddess covers the battle between Lightning and Caius that was not shown in the game, and is scheduled to launch around mid-May.

Final Fantasy XIII-2’s second post-launch DLC pack has been announced for the 360 and PS3, a new episode titled Sazh: Heads or Tails? The new side quest runs parallel to the main storyline, and as with the previous DLC release, the Lightning and Master Sergeant Amodar Coliseum Battle, victory is rewarded with the option to recruit him as a party member. The 400 MS Point/$4.99 pack, due out February 28, also comes with two new card games for Serendepity, Chronobind and Serendipity Poker.

The first round of DLC for the recently released Final Fantasy XIII-2, titled Lightning and Master Sergeant Amodar, has launched on Live Marketplace and PSN. The pack includes a Coliseum battle to unlock Lightning and Master Sergeant Amodar for recruitment. Players must tackle the duo with Serah and Noel for a chance to climb the ranks and beef up their party.

After many, many, many screenshot posts and character updates, we hit the big one: Final Fantasy XIII-2 has hit store shelves for the 360 and PS3. XIII-2, a direct sequel to XIII, features new gameplay systems, multiple progression paths, and enhanced visuals. Although following its predecessor closely, XIII-2 is standalone release and, as noted by Square Enix, unfolds in such a way that it requires no previous experience with XIII. Downloadable content has also been announced as in the works, including additional episodes and modes, with the first release being Coliseum battles.

Players eager to jump back into the universe of Final Fantasy XIII can get a sample of what Final Fantasy XIII-2 has in store for them with a new demo that launched today for the 360 and PS3. Set in the Bresha Ruins, the demo sees Serah and newcomer Noel tracking down a mysterious new enemy known as Atlas. The trial also offers the chance for players to try out the Paradigm Pack System, a new feature that allows for defeated enemies to be recruited as party members.

Square Enix has announced a retailer-limited collector’s edition of Final Fantasy XIII-2. Available only at Amazon, Best Buy, and GameStop, the $79.99 set will include a four-disc soundtrack, a 20-page art book, and a hardcover case adorned with illustrations by Yoshitaka Amano. The premium edition will be available alongside the standard version on January 31 for the 360 and PS3.